Erik ten Hag sacked as Manchester United manager with van Nistelrooy to take over
28 October 2024, 11:52 | Updated: 28 October 2024, 12:57
Erik ten Hag has been sacked as Manchester United manager.
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The Dutchman was informed on Monday morning and leaves Old Trafford after two and a half years in charge with his final game proving to be the Premier League defeat to West Ham United on Sunday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy - who was his deputy - will take charge of the team as interim head coach.
Their defeat at West Ham yesterday left them 14th in the Premier League - with just three wins from nine matches.
That result left the club 14th in the table, seven points off the Champions League qualification places, after just three league wins from nine games and only four in 14 in all competitions.
The club statement reads: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.
"Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.
"Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited."
Speculation over Ten Hag's future had regained intensity in recent weeks after the 54-year-old Dutchman remained in the role at the end of last season.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe kept faith with Ten Hag after United beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup in May, but after only four wins from nine league games the club has taken decisive action.
United indicated it was a unanimous and collective decision, albeit a difficult one to take, the PA news agency understands.
The club had wanted to give Ten Hag the chance to work within a new sporting structure set up over the summer, but results and performances have forced their hand.
It is understood the club's hierarchy had not seen enough progress in Ten Hag's side to believe they were on the right path to challenge again for the Premier League title.
United indicated it was a unanimous and collective decision, albeit a difficult one to take, the PA news agency understands.
The club had wanted to give Ten Hag the chance to work within a new sporting structure set up over the summer, but results and performances have forced their hand.
It is understood the club's hierarchy had not seen enough progress in Ten Hag's side to believe they were on the right path to challenge again for the Premier League title.
United captain Bruno Fernandes thanked Ten Hag for the "trust" the Dutchman had shown him at Old Trafford and the moments they shared together.
"Thanks for everything boss," Fernandes wrote on his Instagram account.
"I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.
"Even knowing the last period (hasn't) been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager (has) done for our club!"
Rio Ferdinand, on holiday in the Maldives, went live on his YouTube channel after news of Ten Hag's sacking broke. He said: "Am I surprised? No."
Later, he added: "They kept the man in charge, season kicks in, I actually thought we were starting to see some new signs in the first two or three games, and then we get beat by Liverpool and never recovered.
"It was like a boxer getting hit and knocked down in the third round and never recovering and getting knocked out, knocked down, every single round on the way to the 12th round.
"And finally, we're here. The fight's been called off in the last round for the manager, and I think now we're going to go for a new direction."
